November 6, 2013—Boone County is full of citizens who devote themselves selflessly to their community. On October 14, 2013, the Sturgeon Chamber of Commerce recognized two of those individuals at the annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. Joy Arends and Mike Holder were both recognized for many years of positive contributions to their community.

Joy Arends is active member of Sturgeon Baptist Church, helping in a wide variety of roles. Recently retired from 3M, Joy now uses her time to help sick or elderly members of the community by doing things like providing transportation to doctors’ appointments. Joy’s most notable selfless act occurred over a decade ago when she donated her liver to a baby who otherwise would not have lived. Although Joy did not personally know the baby or its family, she did know that she had the correct blood type and it was the right thing to do.

Mike Holder, now retired, moved to Sturgeon for his first teaching job. Although he later took a teaching job in Centralia, he remained a pillar of the Sturgeon community. Mike enjoys restoring old farm equipment and does some farming. From these hobbies, Mike developed the knowledge and skills to build a large barbecue grill. He has since used this grill as a way to help the community, using it to cook for community group events such as the biannual Chamber BBQ. Few can remember a time that Mike has turned down someone who has been in need of his help.

Joy and Mike are not only outstanding citizens; they are examples of citizenship and a reminder of why Boone County is a wonderful place to live.